When Chow restaurant in Lafayette, California, closed down, I was extremely sad. Chow was one of the best places to grab breakfast in the East Bay, and losing their ricotta pancakes and delicious crispy bacon would’ve been a real travesty.
Luckily, Tutu’s took over, keeping the Chow menu essentially unchanged. They’re still going strong several years later.
Tutu’s remains one of my favorite spots to get breakfast in the 925. The interior of the space, which is located in Fiesta Square in downtown Lafayette, is beautiful while still being understated.
There’s a little grocery store with specialty food items attached to the main restaurant—another holdover from the Chow days.
On the menu, you’ll find delicious classic breakfast items. Again, I love their ricotta and berry pancakes.
The huevos rancheros are also excellent. I would often order this filling, hearty breakfast to-go during the pandemic and eat it in my car in the parking lot!
Fresh-squeezed orange juice and other niceties enhance the experience, and a big roaring fire in a fireplace by the back of the restaurant creates extra ambience.
I like that eating at Tutu’s feels fancier than going to one of my other places for breakfast, Jack’s in Pleasant Hill. But it’s not quite as high-concept (or expensive) as newcomers on the scene like The Breakfast Club down the block in Lafayette.
Tutu’s feels classic without trying to be, and upscale without being stuffy.
There’s a nice outdoor seating area too, if you want to come with your dog.
My one complaint with Tutu’s is that service is a lot slower than at other East Bay breakfast places. Whereas Jack’s will have your pancakes out in about four minutes, you can expect a more leisurely pace at Tutu’s. It’s not a place you want to go when you’re in a rush, but rather a great place to hang out with a friend or family member for a leisurely brunch on a quiet day.
Tutu’s is located at 53 Lafayette Cir, Lafayette, CA 94549.
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